I am writing this article a few days before Christmas, though you will be reading it a day or two after the Holiday. This is a busy time of year for most of us. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, it is likely a busy time of year for you as well.

Life, regardless of the season, can get busy and hectic. But when you add something as big as Christmas, many find it stressful or even overwhelming.

This article is a list of some things – both practical and some a bit random – to reduce some of the stress during this busy time. I should have provided this list to you before the Holidays, but I guess I didn’t think of it until I was in the thick of it. But since there are still a few days before the New Year, many of us are still in the middle of the celebrating the holidays.

This list will help make rest of this year a bit merrier. And if you can make these things become habits and continue to do them throughout the year, you will find greater peace, happiness, and prosperity. The list isn’t all inclusive. Some of the ideas are practical, common sense. Some are more random. And the list isn’t just for those of us celebrating Christmas. The list is for everyone, anywhere in the world. The list isn’t in any order – except the first 2.

Express (demonstrate) love to your family.

Make and enjoy time with family and friends (especially the family part).

Gotta love your list! It seems to be that when we are balanced in our persue of "lists" such as yours that we not only find greater peace, happiness, and prosperity but find our artwork is easier and more meaningful to produce! Adding to your list: smile or compliment someone you don't know. It's contagious

I most like the part you wrote about how expressing gratitude is the true expression that one is thankful. Excellent points, all of them. Don't take things too seriously might be another. I'm off to walk the dog and then return to enjoy my family. Merry holidays to you and to EVERY ONE!